Terraforming Mars is without a doubt one of humanity’s noble aspirations. The planet Mars has a lot going for it. Its day is roughly the same size as Earth’s, it has plenty of frozen water under its surface, and it may eventually be given a somewhat breathable ambiance.
However, one of the many things it lacks is a strong magnetic discipline. So, if we want Mars to be a second Earth, we’ll have to create one for it. Magnetic fields are vital because they protect the planet from photovoltaic wind and ionizing particles.
Most high-energy charged particles are prevented from reaching the ground by Earth’s magnetic discipline. Instead, they’ve diverted away from Earth, keeping us safe.
The magnetic field also helps to keep solar winds from depleting the Earth’s ozone layer over time. Early Mars had a dense, water-rich atmosphere, but it was gradually reduced without the protection of a strong magnetic discipline.
We won’t be able to duplicate Earth’s magnetic discipline on Mars, unfortunately. A dynamo impact in Earth’s core, where the convection of iron alloys provides Earth’s geomagnetic discipline, creates our discipline.
This article will explore how Scientists unveil an insane plan to terraform Mars using an Artificial Magnetic Field. So, to feed your interest, let’s go right in.
Mars has a weak magnetic field.
Terraforming Mars with an artificial magnetic field is possible, but it will be difficult.
According to a study by Screen Rant, some scientists believe that terraforming Mars is almost impossible due to the red planet’s limited oxygen supply. Furthermore, space radiation would make it considerably more difficult for the residents of Mars to live.
However, new research titled “How to Create an Artificial Magnetosphere for Mars” might open up a lot of doors. It indicated that we could reproduce the magnetic field on Mars, but it would be difficult, especially because the red planet’s interior is colder and smaller.
Several ideas for the production of a magnetic field on Mars were made before the research was published. The bulk of them focused on orbital solenoids as a means of achieving the desired magnetic protection level.
Also read: How does the Earth’s Magnetic field affect Life on Earth?
Using Phobos’ Charged Particles to Terraform Mars
The previously-mentioned study, according to a second article published by Science Alert on Tuesday, Nov. 23, should be powerful enough to sustain the artificial magnetic field on a planet.
The experts pointed out that this option for terraforming Mars is feasible provided Phobos is included in the effort. They may create a ring of charged molecules around the earth by using this Martian moon.
The researchers went on to say that Phobos may be utilized to ionize particles from Mars’ surface. Later, the crew would speed them up to create Phobos’ so-called plasma torus.
Scientists feel that terraforming Mars is a foregone conclusion if this is done alone. Although creating an artificial magnetic field is difficult, the study found that it is possible.
Can a magnetic field be created around Mars?
To begin, we’d have to liquefy the planet’s outer core in some way. The planet’s spin would then act as a dynamo, creating a magnetic field similar to Earth’s. This may be accomplished by detonating a massive nuclear weapon close to the planet’s core.
Related: Does Mars have oxygen to breathe?
Is there a method to give Mars a magnetic field?
So, what causes planetary magnetic fields and what do they do? A dynamo inside the planet generates the magnetosphere (magnetic field). The dynamo idea is complex, but in a nutshell, the earth’s rotation causes rotational currents in the molten outer core, which function as a huge electromagnet.
The magnetic field of the Earth is unique; these currents cannot arise on Venus because it rotates too slowly, or on Mercury and Mars because their cores are too cold.
The first line of protection against the solar wind is magnetic fields. The solar wind’s charged particles are deflected around the Earth’s magnetic field, with just a small proportion headed inward toward the poles. The aurora may be visible at the north and south poles because of this.
The depletion of a planet’s atmosphere is controlled by a few mechanisms. Thermal egress is the first. The temperature of the gas and the mass of the molecule affect the distribution of speeds at which gas molecules flow.
A molecule traveling fast enough (faster than the escape velocity) in the upper atmosphere will escape Earth’s gravity and be lost to space.
Also read: What happens if we terraform Venus?
What is the estimated time frame for terraforming Mars, according to scientists?
Unless this loss could be avoided in some way, enabling the atmosphere to slowly rebuild from outgassing due to geologic activity, present outgassing is exceedingly low; the team estimates that it would take around 10 million years to double Mars’ current atmosphere.
Terraforming Mars isn’t possible with today’s technology.
Terraforming, the practice of constructing an Earth-like or livable environment on another planet, has long been portrayed in science fiction literature.
Terraforming has been advocated by scientists to enable long-term settlement of Mars. Both sides agree that releasing stored carbon dioxide gas from the Martian surface would thicken the atmosphere and function as a blanket to warm the planet.
According to recent NASA-sponsored research, Mars does not store enough carbon dioxide that could be feasibly placed back into the atmosphere to warm Mars.
It would take technology well beyond today’s capabilities to transform the hostile Martian environment into a site where astronauts might explore without life support.
Conclusion
Terraforming, the practice of constructing an Earth-like or livable environment on another planet, has long been portrayed in science fiction literature. Terraforming has been advocated by scientists to enable long-term settlement of Mars.
Both sides agree that releasing stored carbon dioxide gas from the Martian surface would thicken the atmosphere and function as a blanket to warm the planet.
According to recent NASA-sponsored research, Mars does not store enough carbon dioxide that could be feasibly placed back into the atmosphere to warm Mars. It would take technology well beyond today’s capabilities to transform the hostile Martian environment into a site where astronauts might explore without life support.
Lots more information here about Mars
Sourse: Sciencealert
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